Hifiman1

Anyone have issues with their CVT transmissions? I'm worried the reliability won't be near as good as the 8 speed with the v6.

I can't decide between going es 350 ultra luxury or es300h based off reliability and maintenance alone.

I've have to do more research on the CVT usage in the Prius, ct200h, Camry and Avalon.

oldcajun

The electronic CVT as used in Toyota/Lexus hybrids is a totally different concept from the sliding bands used in conventional CVTs like on Nissan and Honda products. The Toyota/Lexus Electronic CVT has proven to be nearly bulletproof so no worries on that front.

jimv1983

Before I got my ES 300h almost 2 weeks ago(I love it) I had a 2011 Camry hybrid for almost 9 years. It had 165,000 miles on it. I had ZERO issues with the CVT. I also know someone with a 2007 Prius that has like 190,000 miles with no issues.

I don't know if CVTs are any less reliable than automatics but I don't think the difference would be huge.

john341

yup. Lexus/Toyota eCVT only uses gears no belts. Our es300h has been very reliable.

TechNut

We have owned two Priuses and currently own two Lexus hybrids. Never an ounce of trouble. Plus they are smoother as there are no shift points, and they are quieter under normal use. The hybrid model can be louder under enthusiastic driving as the four cylinder engine has to work harder, but if you enjoy spirited driving the hybrid probably isn’t the right choice for you.

Back on point, I have a brother with one of the original hybrid Camrys (about a 2016 I believe) and it has about 150k miles without issue. To be honest, I have not heard of a single CVT transmission failure. The main issue I have heard is from those spirited drivers that don’t like the somewhat “slushy” feel of the transmission since it has no shift points, but those are some of the very attributes we appreciate.

SW17LS

I wouldn't worry about it, Toyota has been making these eCVTs in their Hybrids for over 15 years and there is no track record of failure at all.

Hifiman1

I don't see any failures posted with Lexus/Toyota at 200k plus. Just change your transmission oil religiously.

Freds430

My local Lexus Service manager who has 25 years experience working on Lexus vehicles and has been trained by Lexus said it never needs to be changed. He went to Detroit where the transmissions are made for training and asked what is the #1 cause of Lexus transmission failing. Their reply was the wrong level of fluid and the wrong fluid. Both of these are factors in one changing the fluid. I will save my money and never change the fluid and listen to the experts. Never changed the transmission fluid and never had one problem.

mikemu30

Well it is lifetime and as long as you don't mind shortening the lifetime, I suppose it's fine to never change.

zes

I think the Hybrids are built in Japan, not Detroit. There are lots of hybrid Priuses and Camrys with these CVTs are they have proven to be very reliable.

jimv1983

Yes, the ES hybrid is built in Japan. No ES cars are built in Detroit.

JDR76

The Kentucky plant will begin producing the hybrids in a few weeks.

peteharvey

Correct.
The Toyota/Lexus hybrids use eCVT's which use "epicyclic" gears, rather than the "belt-driven" CVT's in the Corolla conventional gasoline models which are giving a lot of trouble.

Daniel68

Never change transmission fluid? Does it break down at certain point?

jimv1983

Maybe eventually but it takes a LONG time. The Prius has a CVT and has been around for 18 years. I know several people who have a Prius that is over 10 years old with 200,000+ miles that have the original transmission fluid and haven't had any issues. My previous car was a 2011 Camry Hybrid. I put 165,000 miles on it in 9 years without changing the fluid and never had an issue. I only got rid out it to get my 2019 ES.